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Single Idea 1765

[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 2. Invocation to Philosophy ]

Full Idea

When a man said that he was not suited to philosophy, Diogenes said to him, 'Why then do you live, if you have no desire to live properly.'

Gist of Idea

Diogenes said avoidance of philosophy is the lack of a desire to live properly

Source

report of Diogenes (Sin) (reports [c.360 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 06.Di.6

Book Ref

Diogenes Laertius: 'Diogenes Laertius', ed/tr. Yonge,C.D. [Henry G. Bohn 1853], p.241


A Reaction

Meaning philosophy is already more practice than theory.


The 9 ideas from 'reports'

Diogenes said avoidance of philosophy is the lack of a desire to live properly [Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
When someone denied motion, Diogenes got up and walked away [Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
Cynicism was open to anyone, and needed neither education nor sophistication [Diogenes of Sin., by Grayling]
Diogenes said a plucked chicken fits Plato's definition of man [Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
The Cynics rejected what is conventional as irrational, and aimed to live by nature [Taylor,R on Diogenes of Sin.]
For peace of mind, you need self-government, indifference and independence [Diogenes of Sin.]
Diogenes said he was a citizen of the world [Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
Diogenes masturbated in public, wishing he could get rid of hunger so easily [Diogenes of Sin., by Plutarch]
Diogenes said that the most excellent thing among men was freedom of speech [Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]